{"id":3101835,"date":"2025-04-24T16:28:21","date_gmt":"2025-04-24T16:28:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jamesonwhiskey.com\/?page_id=3101835"},"modified":"2025-06-10T15:26:45","modified_gmt":"2025-06-10T15:26:45","slug":"cocktail-bitters","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.jamesonwhiskey.com\/en\/our-world\/cocktail-bitters\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Must-Try Cocktails With Bitters to Order at the Bar or Make at Home"},"content":{"rendered":"
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6 Must-Try Cocktails With Bitters to Order at the Bar or Make at Home<\/h1>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t
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Bitters are a bartender’s secret weapon, adding depth, complexity, and balance to cocktails. But what are bitters in a cocktail, and why do we use them? In this article, we\u2019ll get to the bottom of bitters, explaining which drinks use bitters, and showing you six common cocktails using bitters. Whether you’re at your favourite bar or experimenting at home, these six must-try cocktails with bitters will show you how these little bottles can make a big impact on your drinking experience.<\/p>\n

To fully appreciate these cocktails, start with a bottle of Jameson Irish Whiskey<\/a>, the smooth and versatile base in many of the drinks below.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

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What Are Cocktail Bitters?<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n\n \n
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Bitters are the spice of the cocktail world. They infuse botanicals, herbs, and other flavour-packed ingredients into high-proof alcohol. The result is a concentrated liquid that packs a punch of flavour, adding complexity and balance to your drink. Bitters can be herbal, citrusy, or even chocolatey. The most popular and longstanding of these varieties are Angostura bitters, but you will find many whiskey cocktails recipes<\/a> with orange bitters and chocolate bitters gaining popularity today.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/section>\n\n\n\n

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What Cocktails Use Bitters?<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n\n \n
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Bitters are used in a variety of classic cocktails, and the list is endless. They\u2019re most commonly found in drinks like the Old Fashioned and Manhattan, where they help to balance out sweetness and enhance the drink\u2019s flavour profile. Even in cocktails where bitters are optional, they\u2019re often added for that extra layer of depth. A little dash can make a big difference, turning a good drink into a memorable one.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n

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6 Best Cocktails with Bitters<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n <\/section>\n\n\n\n
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1. Old Fashioned<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n\n \n
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The Old Fashioned<\/a> is the epitome of a bitters-forward cocktail. This whiskey-based classic is made with a few simple ingredients\u2014whiskey, sugar, water, and bitters\u2014making it the perfect showcase for the complex flavours of Angostura bitters. A couple of dashes transform this drink from basic to iconic, giving it a smooth, spicy, and aromatic profile that\u2019s timeless.<\/p>\n

Try making it with Jameson Black Barrel<\/a> to experience a deeper, spicier version of the traditional Old Fashioned<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/section>\n\n\n\n

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2. Whiskey Sour<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n\n \n
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While a Whiskey Sour<\/a> is typically tart and refreshing, adding a dash of bitters really brings it all together. While bitters are optional (technically), they complement the sweetness of the sugar and the acidity of the lemon, making it a more rounded and flavourful cocktail. A few dashes of bitters can balance the sweetness and enhance the richness of the whiskey, taking this drink from good to great. If we\u2019re being honest, a whiskey sour without bitters is like a Sunday roast without the gravy. Sure, it tastes good but it\u2019s just not the same.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n

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3. Irish Manhattan<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n\n \n
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For those who love Irish whiskey, the Irish Manhattan<\/a> is a must-try. This twist on the classic Manhattan uses Irish whiskey as the base and incorporates bitters to really give the drink some gusto. Angostura bitters (or even orange bitters) are commonly used in this cocktail, adding a bit of spice and complexity to the smooth whiskey. It\u2019s a great option for anyone who loves whiskey with a little extra kick.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n

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4. Stout and Spiced<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n\n \n
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For a drink that\u2019s perfect for colder months, the Stout and Spiced<\/a> cocktail is a winner. This dark, rich drink is made even more complex with the addition of chocolate bitters, which add a cocoa-infused depth. Combined with the roasted flavours of stout beer, the bitters create a drink that\u2019s both comforting and sophisticated. It\u2019s the ultimate choice when you\u2019re craving something a bit different.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/section>\n\n\n\n

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5. The Bascule<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n\n \n
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The Bascule<\/a> is a cocktail which both simple and sophisticated, yet wonderfully balanced. The bitters in this drink help to enhance both the sweetness and spice of the Jameson Black Barrel, creating a perfectly layered flavour profile. It\u2019s a drink that showcases how bitters can complement ingredients you wouldn\u2019t even think of, like green chartreuse, making it a must-try for anyone who enjoys a suave cocktail with a touch of spice.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/section>\n\n\n\n

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6. Jameson Cold Fashioned<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n\n \n
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A modern take on the Old Fashioned, the Jameson Cold Fashioned<\/a> is ideal for those who enjoy whiskey with a refreshing twist. Using Angostura and orange bitters, this cold cocktail brings out the rich flavours of the Jameson Cold Brew, adding an extra level of complexity. It\u2019s a great choice if you\u2019re looking for a cold cocktail that\u2019s full of character, with a little kick of caffeine. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n

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How to Make Cocktail Bitters at Home<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n \"A\n <\/picture>\n
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Love to experiment? Want to add a personal touch to your drinks? Making your own bitters at home is a fun and rewarding process. All you need are high-proof neutral alcohol, dried herbs, spices, fruits, and botanicals. <\/p>\n

Simply combine your ingredients and let them steep for a few weeks, and you’ll have your own batch of homemade bitters to experiment with. Not only is this a great way to customize your cocktails, but it also gives you the chance to create bitters that perfectly match your taste. We haven\u2019t seen kiwi bitters on that market. Maybe it\u2019s time for a dash of thyme in people\u2019s cocktails? If you hit on a winner, don\u2019t forget to let us know!<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/section>\n\n\n\n

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Drinks with Bitters FAQs<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n\n
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\n \n What Cocktail Uses Angostura Bitters?<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/summary>\n
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The most common and widely used, Angostura bitters are a staple in many cocktails, including the Old Fashioned and Manhattan. Known for their herbal, spicy, and slightly sweet flavour profile, they add depth and balance to a variety of drinks. Just a dash or two can completely transform your cocktail. If you see a small bottle with a white label that is far too large covering it at the bar, that\u2019s Angostura. There\u2019s a fun story behind why Angostura is packaged like this, but we\u2019ll let you discover that for yourself. <\/p>\n\n <\/section>\n <\/details>\n

\n \n Does a Whiskey Sour Have Bitters?<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/summary>\n
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While bitters are not essential in a Whiskey Sour, many bartenders use them to enhance the drink\u2019s flavour. Adding a dash of bitters helps to balance the tartness of the lemon and smooth out the sweetness, creating a well-rounded drink that\u2019s more complex and interesting. Essential? No. Important? Yes.<\/p>\n\n <\/section>\n <\/details>\n

\n \n What Cocktails Have Chocolate Bitters?<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/summary>\n
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Chocolate bitters are a fantastic way to add a rich, cocoa-infused flavour to your cocktails. A Chocolate Old Fashioned<\/a> is one of the best examples, where chocolate bitters complement the whiskey\u2019s richness, creating a sweet and complex drink. You can also experiment with other cocktails to add an extra touch of chocolatey depth; these bitters are great for cocktails with chocolate and rich liqueurs and coffee-flavoured cocktails. <\/p>\n\n <\/section>\n <\/details>\n

\n \n Cocktails With Angostura Bitters<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/summary>\n
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Angostura bitters are a go-to choice for bartenders, and they feature in a number of classic cocktails. Angostura bitters bring a balanced, spicy edge that makes them a must-have for any cocktail lover. Their versatility is one of the reasons they\u2019re used so widely.<\/p>\n\n <\/section>\n <\/details>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

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With these six bitters-based cocktails, you can start experimenting and bringing some complexity to your mixology skills. Whether you\u2019re at home or at the bar, a dash of bitters can make all the difference. Cheers to better cocktails!<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":95,"featured_media":3099229,"parent":188,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"6 Must-Try Cocktails with Bitters | Jameson Irish Whiskey","_seopress_titles_desc":"Discover 6 easy cocktails with bitters to order at the bar or make at home. From classic favourites to creative twists!","_seopress_robots_index":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"our-world-category":[],"class_list":["post-3101835","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jamesonwhiskey.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3101835","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jamesonwhiskey.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jamesonwhiskey.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jamesonwhiskey.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/95"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jamesonwhiskey.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3101835"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.jamesonwhiskey.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3101835\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3137422,"href":"https:\/\/www.jamesonwhiskey.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3101835\/revisions\/3137422"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jamesonwhiskey.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/188"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jamesonwhiskey.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3099229"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jamesonwhiskey.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3101835"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jamesonwhiskey.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3101835"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jamesonwhiskey.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3101835"},{"taxonomy":"our-world-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jamesonwhiskey.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/our-world-category?post=3101835"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}